Tim Scott visits Beaufort, promotes three-pronged jobs plan

Lowcountry residents are probably familiar with U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson's perennial campaign slogan, "Joe means jobs."

Well, it turns out "Tim" means "jobs," too.

U.S. Rep. Tim Scott, who will represent most of Beaufort County if he is reelected in November, pushed his plan to boost the economy during a visit Wednesday.

At a breakfast hosted by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Charleston Republican suggested a three-pronged strategy:

Lower the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent.

Entice companies to bring profits back to the U.S. by eliminating or cutting taxes on overseas income, which has already been taxed by a foreign government.

Roll back regulation that is onerous for businesses.

The total package, Scott told about 30 people at the breakfast, could create 7 million jobs and bring unemployment down to 5.9 percent.

Scott cast the trip as an opportunity to speak with potential constituents and learn more about their needs. After the breakfast he visited military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot.

Rep. Wilson, R-West Columbia, has represented Beaufort and Jasper counties in Washington since his election in 2001, but new political boundaries based on data from the 2010 census will shift his district inland.

Under the new map, Scott will represent the southern two-thirds of Beaufort County if he is reelected.

Jasper County and northern Beaufort County will join the district held by Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-Columbia.

Beaufort Tea Party organizer Ann Ubelis said she has mixed feelings about Wilson's departure, but she's excited to have a representative who will be entirely focused on coastal South Carolina.

Scott, a Charleston native who describes himself as a "Lowcountry boy," says he's equally excited by the prospect.

"It's a blessing from the good Lord himself to be in a position to represent the great people of Beaufort County," he said.

Follow reporter Kyle Peterson at twitter.com/EyeOnBeaufortCo.

Related content

1. Joe Wilson swings through Beaufort for last legislative kickoff, Dec. 29, 2011
2. Tea Party Express rallies faithful in Bluffton, Sept. 10, 2011
3. During Bluffton visit, U.S. Rep. Tim Scott pushes spending cuts, entitlement reform, May 18, 2011